About the City of London

The City of London is a small area within the greater London capital and is often referred to as the Square Mile or simply the City.  While the original City was constrained by a second century Roman wall, parts of which still remain standing today, London has clearly expanded in the last eight hundred years.  Despite the growth, London’s City still remains a central hub of business, including the London Stock Exchange and the Bank of England government, entertainment and tourism.  Its historic location makes the City of London prime real estate for museums and historic city-established gardens.

Unlike its neighbours Islington, Camden, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Westminster, the City is not one of the 32 boroughs of London, instead locally governed and policed by the City of London Corporation.  It is the second smallest city in Great Britain.

What's on in London City

The majority of City’s entertainment offerings are cultural in nature and the renowned Museum of London naturally falls within the City borders providing a thorough history of London.  The Barbican Centre is also located in City and this city-owned arts centre supports numerous local performing groups and artists.  The local government also maintains a number of gardens and squares including Finsbury Circus, one of the oldest, which hosts a bandstand and bowling green.

The professional atmosphere means that the area is busy during the working day but tends to be a bit slower during evenings and weekends.  There are, however, a few popular clubs in the area that cater to the younger and student population.

City of London Venues

• The Barbican
  Best for: catching a gig, checking out an art gallery or just spending some time wandering around its grand interiors.
• Museum of London
  Best for: coverage of the city running from the time of its conception, through the Roman and medieval periods and on to the present day.
• Abacus
  Best for: a tempting food and cocktail menu and three spacious bars and a club set over two floors.
• Reflex
  Best for: stepping into a time warp and going back to do what was acceptable in the 80's.
  

City of London Facts

Tubes:  Bank, Mansion House, Cannon Street, Monument, Farringdon, Barbican, Moorgate